44 people who were suspected of trying to migrate illegally from Sri Lanka to foreign countries by sea were taken into custody by the Navy in special search operations carried out in the sea area off Trincomalee and in Batticaloa, Waleithottam beach area.

The group was arrested in a special operation carried out by the Eastern Naval Command in the sea area off Trincomalee last night.

The Navy has taken steps to hand over the arrested people and the vessels where they were staying to the police for further investigation.